Skin issues, such as rashes, wrinkles, acne, abnormal patches, and melanoma, can severely affect one’s overall health and daily life. To diagnose, treat, and manage these issues, it is important to find the right dermatologist. While this is a personal decision, keeping certain things in mind can help individuals navigate this process. One should consider the dermatologist’s expertise, professional experience, and patient reviews to determine if they are the right choice for one’s healthcare needs. 

Dermatologist appointments can be expensive.

When should one visit a dermatologist?
It may be a good idea to book an appointment with the dermatologist when one begins to experience conditions or symptoms such as severe acne, inflamed or red skin, dry skin patches, skin growth and moles, skin or nail infections, hair loss, varicose and spider veins, and age spots and wrinkles. Additionally, one should schedule regular skin cancer (melanoma) screenings with the dermatologist.

How to book an appointment with a dermatologist?
Those going through an insurance provider (Medicare, Medicaid, PPO, or HMO) can get a referral from their primary care physician to meet a dermatologist. This can easily be done via a telephone or video consultation. Those who do not have a primary care doctor or valid referral can visit a walk-in center for a referral. Upon receiving this referral, one can call the dermatologist’s office to schedule an appointment. Those planning to pay for the consultation and treatment out-of-pocket do not need to seek a referral. They can directly schedule an appointment with the dermatologist’s office online or via a phone call.

Tips for finding a dermatologist
1. Check for board certification
One of the first things to check for when looking for a new dermatologist is their credentials. One should ensure that the doctor has a valid certification from one of the following boards:

• American Academy of Dermatology
• American Board of Dermatology
• American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology

Board certification from one of the above organizations is an indicator that the dermatologist has cleared exams that test their experience and skill set.

2. Consider qualifications and experience
Accounting for qualifications and experience when choosing a doctor is just as essential as checking board certifications. There are various specializations in dermatology, such as cosmetic dermatology, dermatopathology, medical dermatology, and pediatric dermatology. One should look for a dermatologist whose experience aligns with their needs. For instance, those looking for skin treatment for a 5-year-old must look for a pediatric dermatologist near them, while someone dealing with skin cancer will benefit from finding a lymphoma expert.

3. Get referrals
One of the easiest ways to find a new dermatologist is by looking them up online. When searching, use terms like “dermatologist close to me” or “best dermatologist near me”. Further, looking up “list of dermatologists near me” or “best-rated dermatologist near me” can help one shortlist top-rated specialists. Alternatively, use one of the following sources for recommendations for a list of trusted local dermatologists:

• Board websites
• Patient advocate groups
• Friends, family, and co-workers
• Diversity and inclusion directories
• Primary care provider/physician

4. Look up reviews
Knowing what another patient’s experience has been like can help one know what to expect. To do this, one can look up dermatologists’ reviews and pay special attention to feedback on personalized care, understanding patient expectations, friendliness/approachability, patient safety, scheduling appointments, wait time, office hygiene, and more.

5. Schedule a preliminary appointment
A preliminary appointment can help one understand if a certain dermatologist is right for them. Schedule one as soon as possible. During this appointment, one can discuss the following:

Concerns: One can start by sharing any worries or concerns. These can include pain, unusual wart growth, an itchy mole, and other issues.

Personal medical history: Certain skin ailments run within families. Let the dermatologist know about any family medical history that may help them diagnose a condition.

Questions: It’s natural to have a lot of questions regarding a health condition. One can note them down and ask them to the dermatologist during this appointment.

At the appointment, one must also speak to the office staff about appointment scheduling, wait lists, telehealth capabilities, and more.

6. Evaluate communication style
A preliminary appointment can help patients assess how the dermatologist communicates. Do they answer all the questions? Do they ensure the patient’s comfort? Or do they try to hurry through the session? Always seek a dermatologist who takes the time to understand and address concerns appropriately and respects the patient’s decision-making process.

To make the most of this appointment, one should avoid wearing any make-up, nail polish, or heavy amounts of moisturizer. This allows the dermatologist to examine the bare skin and nails for a better diagnosis.

7. Check insurance coverage
One must check whether the dermatologist one is considering accepts insurance. Additionally, one should speak to the insurance company regarding coverage for the proposed treatment plan.